Knoxville Receives Grant for Improved Pedestrian Access
Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC) has secured a significant grant of $1.7 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) aimed at enhancing pedestrian access in the Western Heights and Beaumont neighborhoods. This grant is part of the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program, which seeks to improve road safety and accessibility.
Pedestrian Safety Improvements
The funds will be directed toward the installation of five signalized crosswalks to bolster pedestrian safety, particularly around the Beaumont Magnet Academy and Western Heights Head Start. With these enhancements, the community will benefit from safer crossings, making it easier for children and families to navigate their neighborhoods and access the upcoming new park.
These improvements will notably include upgrades at the intersection of Reed Street and Oldham Avenue, a key area for pedestrian traffic.
Focus on Safe Routes to School
In addition to the crosswalks, the grant will also expand the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programming at Beaumont. This initiative encourages safe walking and biking to school for children by promoting strategies like the Walking School Bus (WSB) and bike trains. These programs involve teachers or adult volunteers accompanying students to school on foot or by bicycle, contributing to not only safety but also encouraging physical activity.
Community Engagement
According to Ben Bentley, the Executive Director and CEO of KCDC, this funding is an important step toward creating safe and walkable communities. “We’re excited to see these areas transformed into accessible neighborhoods where families can walk or bike safely to school and play,” he stated. This grant aligns perfectly with the initiative to make communities safer and more accessible.
Vision Zero and Transforming Western Initiative
The funding is part of a broader strategy tied to the City of Knoxville’s Vision Zero Plan, which aims to eliminate traffic fatalities on city-controlled roads by the year 2040. The project is a crucial facet of the Transforming Western Plan, which is focused on enhancing access to affordable housing, economic opportunities, transportation, and youth development in the Western Heights and Beaumont neighborhoods.
The Transforming Western Plan has emerged from years of community engagement, gathering input from residents and local stakeholders. The aim is to cultivate not just safe streets but also a connected community that improves educational outcomes and fosters creativity and entrepreneurship.
A Step Towards Better Roads
The SS4A program, established through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), has committed over $5 billion in funding over five years. It supports local and regional projects that address roadway deaths and serious injuries. The SS4A grants are not just one-time handouts; they will also involve monitoring and reporting to ensure the new pedestrian elements are effectively utilized and lead to real improvements in safety.
Looking Ahead
KCDC’s ongoing mission to better Knoxville’s neighborhoods has been fundamental since its founding in 1936. The corporation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for local residents through affordable housing, self-sufficiency, and sustainable community initiatives. The successful acquisition of this grant highlights KCDC’s commitment to transforming neighborhoods, ensuring safety while promoting health and connectivity.
For more information on the Transforming Western initiative, residents can visit the project’s website at transformingwestern.com.
